general rule for size

hurley0816

is there a general rule for the size of a pot? is it relative to the width or height both?, maybe style?

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rockm

There are "rules" but they aren't really rules. They are a collection of questions that need to be answered by the pot and tree combination, involving style of tree, overall image you're trying for, what you're willing to pay for the container (cheaper containers offer no where near the visual effect that more expensive pots can provide), ect. The biggest thing to consider is will the rootmass fit inthe pot you're considering?

Colors, shapes and visual weight should all factor into which pot to use. This is an inexact and largely intuitive thing. Go with what "looks good."

RedPine

Most any bonsai book will have a chapter dedicated to choosing pots and matching them to the tree. The most basic guideline is that the pot should be equal in height to the trees trunk girth and as long as the tree is tall. If the tree is feminine then the pot should be aswell, ie: oval or rounded corners with soft colors. Masculine would be the rectangle family with sharper angles and corners, unglazed or a burgandy burnished look is a favorite for this type aswell. Maybe look thru Walter Palls online gallery as he has some of the finest pots made, study the types of pots he matches with his trees.

PatArizona

G'day Hurley...

Depends on a lot of things...here's a few...

Is is a new nursery tree?

Has there been any training done with it?

What are you tryinig to accomplish? Get it into a bonsai pot ASAP? Improve the nebari? Fatten up the trunk?

And on, and on...

It may be much too early in your bonsai's devellopment to be concerned about the right size pot.

Please provide us more information...a picture will help.

If you are new to bonsai, there is much to learn before pot selection become important.

Patience is important with your bonsa.

Pat

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THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

hurley0816

not in a hurry I was just curious. my ficus is going into a training pot. it isnt nursery stock, its actually a pretty nicely started prebonsai. I ll post pics in a couple hours.

hurley0816

here it is. would this be considered feminine or masculine? I plan on reducing the root ball this summer, and next summer I plan to start some styling. pretty sure I am going with broom or possibly candle style.

BrianP03103

Nice tree! Good ramification already, I think.

One thing that struck me is its need for a much bigger pot. That thing must have a big rootball, it must be root bound in that (relatively) small pot.

Keep us apprised, OK?

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hurley0816

definiatly rootbound and that is the reasoning for reducing it by about half and then sticking it into a training pot. cant wait for a couple years from now so I can start working on branch structure.

JfW

This is my first post here, though I have been lurking for a few years as a benniner.

This looks like a nice broom-style you have. By redpine's gender explaination, i think the tree is a feminine form and would look good with a round or oval pot. I'm thinking the tree needs to be trimmed and pruned to shape to entice backgrowth before selecting a definite pot, but I am thinking a coloured glazed pot a little larger in circumference than the top rim and cusp of the plastic pot it's currently in would look good. I'm leaning towards oval, but am not certain which colour I'd pick.